Going to a doctor to talk about mental health issues for the first time

[SadLoser]

And i'm terrified.
Basically I have the symptoms of bipolar disorder, where I feel ecstatic for a period of time like i'm on some drugs, to the point of having narcissistic tendencies and feeling better than everyone, followed by a day or more of not even being able to leave my bed because I don't have the energy for it.

I'm scared that i'm making it up though. I don't even know what to say. All I know is I need to do something. I can't focus on college or really anything that isn't mindlessly scrolling through social media because it reminds me of how dull and empty my life is. I have no real friends, never had a girlfriend. That's all my mind can really focus on.
I simply can't do anything productive with my time if I know that by the end of the day i'll be going to bed lonely and unfulfilled. I want some medication that will make me numb to all this. Is that even a thing?

Honestly I don't know if i'll go through with it. I cringe at the mere thought of talking about anything mental-related with a doctor. How would I even start the conversation?

 

[bed]

They will start the conversation and ask you questions to understand what you are going through. You may fill out some forms, like depression scales etc. You could write some things down and just hand it to them if that makes you feel more comfortable, i've done that in the past. You could also have someone else come with you if you feel comfortable with that. It's perfectly normal to feel scared about the unknown.

Medication affects everyone differently but in my experience, a lot of the meds i've been on in the past have numbed my emotions. I hope you can find something that helps your suffering <3

 

[corpse_prince]

Good job for taking the first steps~
It's very difficult to open up about these topics that have a stigma attached to it, but you're going to a professional equipped to handle exactly that.
After talking to them, if they think medication is right for you, they will probably help you get it. Try to only take meds from a trusted psychiatrist that has good reviews though~
Is it a psychologist/psychiatrist? They are usually the ones best equipped to handle mental health related issues.

Making a list of things you want to work on/are having the most trouble with will help. This post itself has things you could tell them directly. They will also probably ask you questions and help you talk about what you need to.
Also, not every doctor works for everyone. So don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out with the first person.
Good luck, I hope it goes well.

 

[Smart No More]

Nothing to be cringing over. If you feel that way just start the covo like "theres something bothering me that I'm uncomfortable talking about" then essentially say what you wrote above. They'll refer you onto a specialist after asking a few questions and you may find it's a much more minor and manageable issue. That said, I am weary of the suck it and see approach that many doctor have with psych meds so whilst I am suggesting honesty with your Dr, I'll add an aside and say make sure that any 'treatment' is specifically targeted. Don't let them have you jump into trying something without an explanation of what that med is for and what they intend to achieve for you with trying it. Antidepressants and psych meds are more available than other psychoactive meds. Ironically they are just as harmful in many cases and I honestly don't know why this paradox exists but it absolutely does. So yeah be honest but be careful and diligent. Best of luck.

 

[Starryeyes]

Personally I'd just try getting straight to the point.
You feel you suffer a lot of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it's damaging to your mental well being and you'd like to speak to a psychiatrist about it

 

[SadLoser]

They will start the conversation and ask you questions to understand what you are going through. You may fill out some forms, like depression scales etc. You could write some things down and just hand it to them if that makes you feel more comfortable, i've done that in the past. You could also have someone else come with you if you feel comfortable with that. It's perfectly normal to feel scared about the unknown.

Medication affects everyone differently but in my experience, a lot of the meds i've been on in the past have numbed my emotions. I hope you can find something that helps your

Nothing to be cringing over. If you feel that way just start the covo like "theres something bothering me that I'm uncomfortable talking about" then essentially say what you wrote above. They'll refer you onto a specialist after asking a few questions and you may find it's a much more minor and manageable issue. That said, I am weary of the suck it and see approach that many doctor have with psych meds so whilst I am suggesting honesty with your Dr, I'll add an aside and say make sure that any 'treatment' is specifically targeted. Don't let them have you jump into trying something without an explanation of what that med is for and what they intend to achieve for you with trying it. Antidepressants and psych meds are more available than other psychoactive meds. Ironically they are just as harmful in many cases and I honestly don't know why this paradox exists but it absolutely does. So yeah be honest but be careful and diligent. Best of luck.

Good job for taking the first steps~
It's very difficult to open up about these topics that have a stigma attached to it, but you're going to a professional equipped to handle exactly that.
After talking to them, if they think medication is right for you, they will probably help you get it. Try to only take meds from a trusted psychiatrist that has good reviews though~
Is it a psychologist/psychiatrist? They are usually the ones best equipped to handle mental health related issues.

Making a list of things you want to work on/are having the most trouble with will help. This post itself has things you could tell them directly. They will also probably ask you questions and help you talk about what you need to.
Also, not every doctor works for everyone. So don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out with the first person.
Good luck, I hope it goes well.

Personally I'd just try getting straight to the point.
You feel you suffer a lot of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, it's damaging to your mental well being and you'd like to speak to a psychiatrist about it

suffering <3

Thanks so much for the replies, guys. I guess i've already waited too long so it's better to just get it over with. I'm only going to a general doctor that will tell me what do and where to go next. It might take a couple of months before I actually get anywhere in terms of dealing with my situation, but I think i'll be fine until then.

 

[Starryeyes]

Thanks so much for the replies, guys. I guess i've already waited too long so it's better to just get it over with. I'm only going to a general doctor that will tell me what do and where to go next. It might take a couple of months before I actually get anywhere in terms of dealing with my situation, but I think i'll be fine until then.

Can you take someone along to your doctors appointment? I find it's better too as your less likely to be fobbed off if someone who knows you can back you up with how low your feeling?!

 

[SadLoser]

Can you take someone along to your doctors appointment? I find it's better too as your less likely to be fobbed off if someone who knows you can back you up with how low your feeling?!

I don't think so. I don't really have anyone in my life. And it would be way too anxiety-inducing to bring someone else with me.

 

[Starryeyes]

I don't think so. I don't really have anyone in my life. And it would be way too anxiety-inducing to bring someone else with me.

Ok I understand that. Hope it works out for you